The following contains spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 8, "Chapter 24: The Return," streaming now on Disney+.
The Mandalorian has devoted a lot of time to expanding the lore of Mandalore and its people. Like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian has made the people of Mandalore a much deeper and more nuanced culture. One of the main relics that has been explored is the Darksaber. This is a legendary weapon that has helped to decide the leader of Mandalore for centuries. Yet in one swift move, Moff Gideon destroyed the saber and a piece of Mandalorian history.
The Darksaber was introduced on Star Wars: The Clone Wars when it was wielded by the leader of Death Watch, Pre Vizsla. It was revealed later that the blade was a unique lightsaber made by the first Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla. The Darksaber became synonymous with the leader of Mandalore, and the legend and myth of the saber grew. The person who won the saber in combat earned the right to rule Mandalore and all of its people. Many believe that Bo-Katan failed to save Mandalore the first time because she cursed her rule by not winning the Darksaber. Yet, Gideon has ended the Darksaber's long history by crushing the blade with his mechanized hands.
The Mandalorian Teaches a Lesson Through the Destruction of the Darksaber
The Darksaber was a symbol of power and authority for Mandalore, but it did little to actually determine a good ruler. Mandalore had used the Darksaber and its lore for decades as a test to see who should rule, and the planet continually ended up in wars. The culture of Mandalorian fighting Mandalorian was ingrained into their society, with the Darksaber being the most fundamental representation of this. While Moff Gideon meant to dishearten and destroy Bo-Katan by breaking the saber, he ended up freeing Mandalore from its past. And now that Moff Gideon is dead also, Mandalore is free to thrive.
Din Djarin pointed out that the saber doesn't even matter to the Children of the Watch. They will follow anyone who shows honor and courage and follows the Way. Yet, Axe's people were beholden to the power of the Darksaber and its story. They were unable to see Bo-Katan as a leader without it, despite being ready to lead her people again. While breaking the saber means the end of seeing its intimidating presence on screen, it allows Mandalorian culture to grow and evolve into something more than simply fighting for power.
Mandalore Will Have a New Legend Soon
Without the Darksaber, Mandalorians will likely begin to gravitate toward new myths and legends. Bo-Katan will become a hero to her people and The Armorer will become a spiritual leader to many. They lit the Great Forge together and helped merge two factions of their people. Din Djarin will join them in stories, as the dedicated Mandalorian who brought down Moff Gideon and defended his Foundling. Yet, the biggest story is yet to be told. While the Darksaber is gone, the Mythosaur lurks in the depths of the Living Waters. Its re-emergence will signal that it's time for a revival of Mandalore and its people and will show the galaxy that Mandalore is back.
The Darksaber has become a cherished weapon in Star Wars lore. The Mandalorian has greatly expanded on the weapon and its history, so it is only fitting that it should be the show that destroys it. Moff Gideon may have destroyed the saber, but in doing so he made Mandalore stronger. Mandalorians are no longer held back by the history of the saber and are free to evolve their society to become better and stronger than ever before.
Stream The Mandalorian Season 3 now on Disney+.